1. Selenium

 

Selenium is a web automation tool used for testing purposes. It comes in two different variations: Selenium WebDriver and Selenium IDE. The WebDriver version is an excellent framework you can interact with using programming languages. Selenium IDE is a browser extension that enables record-and-playback testing. 

 

Key features

• Multi-browser support with a native system that makes direct calls without any intermediary device or software.
• Multi-language compatibility to suit all programming languages, like Java, Python, and PHP.
• Easy identification and use of various web elements.
• In-built WebDriver tool to execute tests quickly. 

Pros

• Open source tool with no licensing costs.
• Provides official language bindings with Java, JavaScript, Ruby, Python, etc.
• Integrates with third-party applications efficiently.
• Supports parallel test executions.
• Cross browser and platform independent tool

Cons

• Requires third-party frameworks to automate the testing of web applications.
• It requires a high-level proficiency in programming languages to deal with them effectively.
• The scripts written in Selenese are not user-friendly, making it harder to modify codes.
• Selenium often faces difficulties when implementing in any browser other than Firefox.

Pricing

Selenium is free to use and install with minimum hidden costs.

 

2. Pytest

 

Pytest is a testing framework for Python that allows for simple unit tests and complex functional testing. It is extendable and supports fixtures, parameterized testing, and plugins.

 

Key features:

• Supports fixtures that provide a fixed baseline upon which tests can execute reliably and repeatedly.
• Allows parameterized testing to run the same test with different inputs.
• Provides detailed assertions and reporting.
• Extensive plugin architecture to extend its capabilities.

Pros:

• Easy to use and set up with minimal boilerplate code.
• Supports detailed assertions and reporting.
• Highly extendable with a rich plugin architecture.
• Works with other testing tools and CI/CD pipelines.

Cons:

• Requires knowledge of Python for effective use.
• May have a steeper learning curve for beginners.
• Limited to Python, unlike some other frameworks that support multiple languages.

Pricing

Pytest is free to use and install as it is an open-source tool.   

 

3. IBM Rational Integration Tester (Formerly Greenhat)

 

IBM Rational Integration Tester is a tool for integration testing. It allows teams to test integrated systems and applications without needing a fully functional production environment.

 

Key features:

• Supports numerous protocols and technologies.
• Virtualization of services to simulate and test components.
• Automated testing of APIs, databases, and messaging systems.

Pros:

• Supports end-to-end integration testing.
• Allows for service virtualization.
• Reduces the need for a fully operational test environment.
• Extensive protocol and technology support.

Cons:

• Complex setup and configuration.
• Requires substantial learning and expertise.
• High licensing costs.

Pricing 

It is a no-cost program. 

 

4. IVectorCAST/C++

 

IVectorCAST/C++ is a software testing tool designed specifically for embedded software systems, providing automated unit and integration testing.

 

 

Key features:

• Automated unit and integration testing.
• Test data and environment management.
• Supports safety-critical standards compliance.

Pros:

• Ideal for embedded systems.
• Detailed code coverage and reporting.
• Supports both unit and integration testing.

Cons:

• High cost and licensing fees.
• Requires significant setup and configuration.
• Steep learning curve for new users.

Pricing

Premium tool with higher licensing costs that you can learn from their support team. 

 

5. Liverpool Data Research Associates (LDRA)

 

LDRA provides software quality, testing, and standards compliance tools for safety-critical and security-critical embedded software.

 

 

Key features

• Code coverage analysis.
• Static and dynamic code analysis.
• Compliance with the integrated development environment.

Pros

• Efficient tool for safety-critical software.
• Supports multiple industry standards.
• Efficient reporting and documentation features.

Cons

• Expensive licensing.
• Requires specialized knowledge and training.
• Complex configuration and setup.

Pricing

Higher licensing fee

 

6. Postman

 

Postman is a popular API testing tool that simplifies the process of developing, testing, and monitoring APIs.

 

 

Key features

• User-friendly interface for API testing.
• Interface-related documentation and monitoring.
• Takes in requests to simulate the activities of API users.

Pros

• Easy to use and set up.
• Excellent collaboration features.
• Supports automated testing and monitoring.

Cons

• Limited to API testing.
• Advanced features require a paid subscription.
• Some learning curve for advanced capabilities.

Pricing

Free trial with paid plans for advanced features

 

7. SoapUI

 

SoapUI is an open-source tool for testing SOAP and REST APIs, offering features for functional, performance, and security testing.